taken, Scar?"

"I don't mean to be taken, mother. I shall go back as I came. Rebel
sentinels are clever, but some people can manage to elude them."

"Oh, my boy, my boy!"

"Don't--don't fidget, dear, like that. I tell you there is no risk.
But I must not stay long."

"Are you sure no one saw you come?"

"Quite certain. But I am sorry that I have such poor news to lake back.
But, mother dear, they have treated you with respect?"

"Oh yes, my boy. Fred Forrester's with them."

"Ah!" ejaculated Scarlett, angrily.

"And he has been most respectful and kind."

"For a traitor."

"Do not speak harshly of him, Scar."

"Not I; but have they sacked the place?"

"No, no. Nothing has been touched."

"I'm glad of that, for poor father's sake. He will be enraged when he
knows they have taken possession here."

"But he is in no danger, Scar?"

"Not more than usual," said Scarlett, grimly.

"And when is he coming home?" said Lil, thoughtfully.

"Coming home, Lil! Ah, who can say that? Well, I must soon be going.
If I stay, it is to be taken prisoner."

"My darling!"

"Hush, mother! the sentries may hear you speak. They are all around."

"I will be careful, dear," she whispered. "Then you must go? So soon?"

"Yes; and it is bad news to take to my father, but he will not care when
he hears that you are safe and well. What's that?"

He ran softly to the window, and they realised that he was barefooted,
and only dressed in light breeches and shirt.

There was the sound of a challenge, a reply, and then the trampling of
horses came through the open casement.

Lady Markham seized her son's hand as he stood listening at the deep
mullioned window, while Lil clung to the other.

"A fresh detachment joined, I suppose," whispered Scarlett, as he drew
back. "Perhaps I had better wait half an hour before I go back."

"Oh, Scar, Scar!" half sobbed Lil.

"And you so cold and wet, my darling," sighed Lady Markham.

"Pish! what of that. I don't mind. I would not go so soon, for it is
quite delightful to be with you again, but I must be right away before
it's light, and one never knows how far one may have to go round to
escape notice from the enemy's men. They seem to swarm about here,
mother."

Lady Markham could say nothing, only kiss and embrace her boy, torn as
she was by conflicting emotions--the desire to keep him, and that of
wishing him safe away.

All at once, Scar started from his mothe